Persuasive Writing A clear topic sentence Obvious organization

Persuasive Writing

• • • A clear topic sentence Obvious organization Strong transitions Specific examples and evidence A memorable conclusion Should Include:

• When presenting your reasons or information, bury the weakest argument in the middle and save the strongest argument to use right before the conclusion. • This is your last chance to win your reader’s approval. Save the best for last!

Content Advanced (4 points) __ Quality and quantity of information convinces the reader Proficient (3 points) __ All information relates to the topic sentence __ Examples/support help persuade the reader __ Intriguing or highly interesting __ Clearly addresses the examples/support bring the prompt to life Basic (2 points) __ Information repeated or wanders from the topic __ Few and/or unconvincing examples/support __ Accurate, but prompt not developed Below Basic (1 point) __ Not enough information or information unclear __ Examples/support inaccurate, confusing, or omitted __ Off prompt or no clear connection to prompt __ Fully develops prompt Organization __ Strong topic sentence addresses the prompt/topic in a compelling and highly interesting way __ Attempts a topic sentence __ Two reasons, details, facts are clear, or RDF’s are confusing __ Use of ordinary transitions __ Four reasons, details, facts __ Three reasons, details, facts or transitions not used are clear effectively __ Varied or subtle transitions __ Transitions used fit the __ Example/support given for sound natural, enhance the paragraph’s purpose two RDF’s or support is flow of the paper confusing __ Examples/support given for __ Weak conclusion (when __ Examples/support given for each of the three RDF’s necessary) mostly repeats each of the four RDF’s __ Solid conclusion (when the topic sentence __ Strong conclusion (when necessary) restates topic necessary) revisits topic in an interesting way Rubric __ Topic sentence addresses prompt or topic and includes key words from the prompt __ Topic sentence is absent or unclear __ Reasons, details, facts are unclear or missing __ No transitions or transitions not used correctly __ No examples and/or explanations __ No/inappropriate conclusions (when necessary) Score

Style __ A variety of simple, compound, and complex sentences __ Different sentence structures; variety in the way sentences begin __ Mostly simple sentences or sentences that begin the same way __ Many fragments and/or run-on sentences; several short, choppy sentences __ Rich words, content vocabulary, and or figurative language create mental pictures; engage reader __ Familiar/ordinary words fit the topic; descriptive words used effectively __ Basic words and descriptions __ Repeated words or phrases; many words used incorrectly Grammar and Mechanics __ Style, voice, and tone of paragraph accurately address prompt; specific words, phrases, and/or sentence structures enhance the paragraph and its purpose __ Very few errors in CUPS (see below) __ Correctly applies rules for more complex writing skills (semi-colons, commas in compound-complex sentences) __ Style, voice, and tone of paragraph accurately answer and fit the prompt __ Some errors in CUPS (see below) but they do not interfere with reading or understanding the writing __ Complete sentences that reflect the specific purpose Rubric, cont. __ Style or paragraph fits the purpose but needs development __ Several errors that slow down the reader __ Sentence structure interferes with understanding __ No clear purpose __ Filled with errors that interfere with reading __ Incomplete sentences

Bound for Cooperstown By Ben James (7 th Grade) Because Nolan Ryan has set many major league baseball pitching records, he belongs in the baseball hall of fame. First of all, he holds the record for the most career strikeouts. In August, 1991, in a game against the Oakland A’s, he got his 5, 000 th career “K. ” The previous record was about 3, 800. Second, he has a record 7 no-hitters. Ryan had his most recent no-hitter at age 42. The previous record for no-hitters was 4. Also, he is the record holder for the most strikeouts in a season. In 1982, he went into the final game of the season against the Montreal Expos, needing 15 strikeouts to break Sandy Kofax’s record of 385. He started off shaky, but ended the game by striking out 16 batters. Last, he has the fastest pitch ever recorded. He once threw a heater that was clocked at 101. 1 mph. Nolan Ryan certainly is one of the greatest pitchers ever; and he belongs in Cooperstown. Sample Persuasive Paragraph

• • Content— Organization— Style— CUPS— What grade would you give this paragraph?

• Prompt: Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a persuasive paragraph convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons (at least 3) and explanations. • Use your graphic organizer to write a group paragraph; everyone should write a copy. Group Persuasive Paragraph

• 1. Suppose Congress wants to make a new national holiday honoring an important person or event. Choose a person or event you would like to honor. Write a persuasive paragraph to convince members of Congress to accept your choice. • 2. Many of us spend hours in front of our computers and communicate more by e-mail or instant-messaging than in person. Some people believe that this is good because it helps shy people communicate more openly with others. Others believe that computer communication prevents us from developing interpersonal skills and limits our ability to have meaningful relationships with others. How do you feel about this issue? Write a persuasive paragraph where you support your position. • 3. Every year, you and your fellow classmates go on a field trip. The students usually do not like where the school goes for the field trip. You have the opportunity to plan a field trip for your grade level. You will be allowed to decide where you go and what you will do while on the trip. Write a persuasive paragraph to persuade the planning committee to accept your choice. Your choices